Unit 14 M1 - Explain the processes and technologies involved in producing a radio broadcast

In the BBC Radio 4 studio, there are various of technology that is used in order to ensure that the show is presented well enough for listeners. The main studio is split into two, with one side of the room being where the technicians would have the equipment for how each diegetic sound would be like and the other side of the room is where the hosts would all speak. There is a glass mirror that splits the main room, which would let the presenters and technicians see each other. On the technician’s side, there is a mixing desk. The function of this is to control anything that the listeners hear on air. On the presenter’s side of the room, there are equipment that they use for them to be heard on the radio, such as a microphone. This would be used by the presenters to speak into. There are monitor speakers on the technical side of the room, which are put in place to provide a flat frequency. When a microphone is turned on in a radio station, the speakers automatically mute. There are headphones that the presenters use to listen to what is happening. Sometimes, there may be some music that is played or the presenters can listen to any calls. 

A digital Cartwall is a pre-loaded software system, which contains all audio assets required from a playlist. One of the purposes of a Cartwall is to play sound effects. It is displayed as part of the main window, or as a separate window. There are times that are set for when a specific sound should be played. The software system is a touchscreen, which comes as a benefit as the person in charge of the Cartwall can just tap the screen and the sound content will start playing. People would be able to add music or sound effects onto the Cartwall and have the ability to edit them in any way they want, such as cutting some bits down from the original sound content. You are able to drag and drop audio files from the file system for the convenient loading of tracks. Carts can be arranged in a grid with a customizable number of rows and columns. Players and controls can be operated using keyboard commands. There are carts that can be looped, which is useful for background music beds.

 

A playlist is a list of songs, albums, and artists that a radio station broadcasts. The inclusion of a playlist allows a particular desired musical atmosphere to be created and maintained without continuous interaction within the presenters. It also allows a range of different styles of music to be played again without maintenance. The idea of having a playlist within the radio station would entertain the listeners. The songs that are at the top of the charts are the songs that would most likely be included on the playlist and would be played to the listeners. At times, the same songs would be played over and over again to entertain the listeners. Also, the idea that a radio station would have a playlist with popular songs would have people tune in to the radio station, as people are able to listen to the radio whenever they want. In terms of the number of songs played from the playlist, a radio station has an average of 30-50 songs.

 

The playout system is the heart of a modern radio station. It is a computer system that is used to record, store and play all the audio content that will be used on your radio station. It is the main way that the presenters and volunteers interact with the community. With the playout system, programs can be planned ready for on-air delivery, which includes pre-recorded programs. Also, there can be a set time in which audio content can be played, making it easier for the presenters to be aware of when it will be played. The presenters of the radio station are able to manually set up carts or set up a sequence to play automatically, meaning that the program is able to be broadcasted without anyone being physically in the studio.

Unit 14 P3 - Be able to investigate the technologies for multiplatform radio broadcasting - Part 2

Unit 14 P3 - Be able to investigate the technologies for multiplatform radio broadcasting - Part 1

 

Unit 14 M1 - Analyse the structure and content of a programme

The name of the program is Falco, which is a crime radio show, based on a roman detective who solves new crimes. It is scheduled on weekdays. Each episode covers different parts of the narrative, in which they would pick up from where it left off from the previous episode. lasts for 30 minutes. It airs at 1AM as part of the midnight slot. The audience would be people who are 30 and above, which would be based on how the representatives are adults. This would appeal to men due to how the main character is a male. This would be for people who have an interest in crime drama and have an interest in investigating.

In terms of the overall structure of the program, it would begin with background music playing while a voiceover is heard saying the name of the episode, along with mentioning the name of the actor, Anton Lesser, who plays the main character. The main character is heard in a voiceover narrating what had happened, in which this case, his apartment block had collapsed, which was a way to continue from the previous episode. The episode would end with new development in the continuous case. There would be sometimes in the narrative when the main character would describe any new or anything that could be significant. For example, at 12:37, he narrates how he wanted to get Pollia and that he knew someone that could come to his aid. The program ends with background music that continues from the one used at the beginning to let the audience know that the program has ended. Also, a voiceover is used at the end of the program saying the name of the episode and listing the cast and the characters that they play, starting with Anton Lesser who portrays Falco.

The purpose of this show is to entertain. This would be presented at 2:20 when Falco questions the other detective’s involvement in the demolition, in which he responds in a nervous matter. This would entertain the audience, as they would find it hilarious how the other man sounds shaky. Another example would be at 13:00 when the detective questions Thalia about her deceased employer, Fronto, being aware that his wife had a lover. This would entertain the audience as they would be following the case and would be intrigued by any information that would lead to the truth about the death of Novus.

1	Music of the show playing with a voiceover stating the name of the show along with the name of the main character
2	Voiceover of the main character Falco addresses the audience about the current events to let the audience know what part of the narrative they are at
3	The narrative begins with the other characters' dialogue in a way to respond to what had occurred in the previous episode.
4	Falco would narrate as a way to remind the audience of the current situation to ensure that they are able to follow the narrative easier
5	The show would resume to the characters speaking again to continue the plot
6	The same music that was used at the beginning of the intro would be played to conclude the program along with the names of the cast ad what characters they portray

 

There is meaning that is created during the program. One of them would be a form of suspense that is formed within the show. This would be through the use of the voiceover at the beginning of the show at 00:30, where the main character is telling the audience what is currently happening. This creates meaning as the idea of the conflict already occurred would interest the audience as to how it transpired. There is meaning created through the use of sound effects to convey a particular event occurring, such as the sound of bricks collapsing and being moved At 01:05 after demolition had occurred. This would be a way for the audience to picture the events that are occurring in their mind, making it easier for them to understand what is happening and why. Also, meanings are formed through the dialogue within the characters. There are particular moments where there is a form of suspense created, particularly when Falco questions the detective, with the idea that he may have had some involvement in the recent events. Suspense is also created near the end of the program when Falco confronts Severina Zotica about what she had done to Novus, giving the answer to the main investigation of the series of what had happened to him. However, he is unable to prove her involvement in his death, leaving him in a susceptible position, along with Zotica taunting him about If Helena will return back to him. This creates suspense as the main detective cannot prove that Zotica is guilty, which would make the audience wonder what he would do as he has been conveyed as a detective who would stop at nothing to make sure that the right people are held accountable for their actions.

In terms of the mode of address, the main character narrates any particular things happening through a voiceover, making use of a distraught tone, which would convey the set emotion to the audience. This would be at 00:29, where Falco tells the audience what had just happened. This would be the way the character addresses the audience to let them know of any new development within the case, making it easier for the audience to follow the narrative. The tone that the main character uses changes throughout the program at particular times.

Peter Leslie Wild directs the program at BBC Birmingham. It was written by Lindsey Davis. Anton Lesser portrays the main character Marcus Didius Falco. Mary Cutler dramatizes it.  There are other characters in the show, such as Ann Madeley, who portrays Helena Justina, Ben Crowe as Petronius, Kim Wall as Appius Priscillus, Tracy Wiles as Severina Zotica, and Julius Hill as Pollia.